Case Study

The European Society for Biomaterials

John Hunt, professor of clinical sciences at the University of Liverpool, brought his event to ACC Liverpool after 23 years of planning.

The city ambassador first held a meeting for his association in 1991 in Chester but wanted to bring the event to his home city. It was only when ACC Liverpool was built in 2008 that his ambition became a reality.

Professor Hunt says: “I remember thinking at the 1991 event, which was held in Chester, that we were missing an opportunity not to hold it in Liverpool – after all, the biomaterials department at the University of Liverpool is world renowned as a centre of expertise.

“There was definitely capacity to grow – we just needed a venue to enable us to expand and attract more attendees.

“I found it frustrating that there wasn’t a suitable venue to hold the meeting so when ACC Liverpool opened in 2008, I realised it was time to put my plan into action.”

More than 1,000 delegates from 44 different countries, including Japan, China, Poland and Turkey, attended the four day meeting for the 26th congress of the society.

John said: “This was the biggest ESB meeting ever and was an opportunity to showcase the University of Liverpool, the city and ACC Liverpool to the world’s biomaterials scientists, engineers and clinicians.”

The conference consisted of plenaries, symposia and a poster exhibition, all aimed at developing biomaterials and tissue engineering.

Delegates were given the opportunity to take part in a cultural programme, organised for the first time by ACC Liverpool and Liverpool Convention Bureau.

This included visits to the Bluecoat - Liverpool’s centre for contemporary arts - as well as a Liverpool Football Club open top tour bus and a visit to the Beatles Story museum.

A chairperson’s dinner was held at the nearby Tate Liverpool.

He added: “The event provided an opportunity to showcase the University of Liverpool, the city and ACC Liverpool to the world’s biomaterials scientists, engineers and clinicians.

“The cultural programme was a great addition for delegates and was really well received, as was the Delegate Card which provides offers for restaurants, bars and attractions for attendees planning to return to the city.

“I was so overwhelmed by the feedback I received from delegates following the event who said it was the best ESB meeting they had ever attended.

“Our city is fortunate to have a world-class venue like ACC Liverpool which enables us to host world, European and national association meetings in our respective fields of expertise, as well as city-wide support from the convention bureau.”

John is an active member of Club Liverpool, the city’s ambassador programme, which aims to encourage professionals to help identify major global business events and conferences which could potentially be hosted in the city.

Club Liverpool is a powerful network of influential ambassadors passionate about bringing world class conferences and events to Liverpool and showcasing the very best the city has to offer to associations and organisations across the globe.

Led by the Liverpool Convention Bureau and working in partnership with ACC Liverpool, the ambassador programme unites and supports leading academics and professionals to secure and host international conferences and events that promote Liverpool’s expertise around the world, boost our economy and bring thought leadership to the city.

Staying

Pullman Liverpool, voted Hotel of the Year 2019, is one of the city's most stylish hotels. Conveniently integrated into the Liverpool event campus, this contemporary hotel offers 216 comfortable rooms and suites, and a top-notch menu to suit every taste thanks to signature dishes in the on-site Marco Pierre White Wheelers of St James’s
Restaurant

Eat & Drink

Wheeler's of St. James's Liverpool in the Pullman Liverpool Hotel is located at Kings Dock next to the venue. Wheeler's reputation has been built on seafood, however the menu offers a variety of meat and vegetarian dishes that make it accessible to all.

Shopping

Located by the city’s iconic waterfront, Liverpool ONE is one of Europe's leading retail and leisure destinations. With more than 170 stores, bars and restaurants, a 14 screen cinema and even a park, you’ll always have a fun packed day here.

The beating heart of Liverpool’s retail scene, just minutes away from the venue, City Central Shopping comprises five shopping centres, two hotels, two theatres and more than 400 shops. There’s something for everyone and every budget.

Connect

Delivering world class concerts, family, comedy and sporting events, M&S Bank Arena Liverpool is one of the most prestigious entertainment venues in the UK and is a proud part of the ACC Liverpool family.

The addition of Exhibition Centre Liverpool to existing venues M&S Bank Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool makes The ACC Liverpool Group family the only purpose-built, interconnected arena, convention centre and exhibition centre in Europe.

TicketQuarter is a full service ticketing agency set up by the team at ACC Liverpool, offering a complete end-to-end ticketing service for the entire events industry.